Jammu and Kashmir (state)

Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India known for its scenic mountains, lakes, and cultural diversity. Historically a princely state, it became part of India after independence, but its territorial status has been complex due to overlapping claims by India and Pakistan, leading to territorial disputes. In 2019, the Indian government reorganized it from a single state into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The region features a mix of religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and faces ongoing political and security challenges rooted in its disputed status.